Canada’s wholesale trade rose 1.9% month over month to C$89.0 billion in March 2026, exceeding market expectations for a 1.3% increase and building on a 2.0% gain in February. Sales were higher in five of the seven subsectors.
The machinery, equipment and supplies subsector led the advance, climbing 6.5% to C$19.5 billion, largely reflecting a 17.9% surge in computer and communications equipment and supplies. The personal and household goods subsector also supported overall growth, with sales up 0.8% to C$13.3 billion, bolstered by a 1.0% increase in pharmaceutical and pharmacy supplies.
By contrast, the farm products excluding oilseed and grain subsector declined 3.8% to C$1.7 billion.
Regionally, wholesale sales rose in six provinces, led by Ontario (3.5%) and Alberta (3.2%). On a year-over-year basis, wholesale trade was up 3.3% in March.
